Bank To Close Branch In Ashford Dec. 31

Areawide News Notes

The Savings Bank of Manchester will close its branch bank in Ashford, effective Dec. 31, and transfer those accounts to its new, full- service office at routes 195 and 44 in Storrs.

The bank will retain an automated-teller machine at the Ashford branch location.

``As we move toward full-service banking in all of our branches to better meet our customer's needs, we find that offices restriced in size and services, like Ashford, are no longer efficient,'' bank President Richard P. Meduski wrote in a letter to customers.

The 90-year-old Savings Bank of Manchester has 20 branches located throughout northeastern Connecticut.